Standard Size of Machine-Cut Stones in Kenya.
What are the Standard Sizes of Machine-Cut Stones in Kenya?
Machine-cut stones are a type of building material commonly used in Kenya. They are mined using stone cutting machines and are usually cut into three main length sizes: 9, 6, and 4 inches.
The standard sizes of machine-cut stones in Kenya are 9 by 9 inches and 9 by 6 inches. However, the actual size may vary depending on the manufacturer or quarry.
The prices of machine-cut stones in Kenya vary depending on the size and quality of the stone. The cost ranges from Ksh 23 to Ksh 40 per piece for the 6 by 9-inch stone and Ksh 25 to Ksh 40 per piece for the 9 by 9-inch stone, exclusive of transport costs.
It is important to note that when using machine-cut stones for foundation work, standard uncut stones known as “nines” or “kifarus” should be used instead of machine-cut stones.
The standard size of machine-cut stones is generally around 6 inches by 9 inches, and they are available in varying lengths. There are pros and cons to using this standard size for construction projects.
Pros of Standard size of machine-cut stones:
- Uniformity: The standard size of machine-cut stones ensures that all stones are uniform in size and shape, which makes them easy to work with and lay.
- Easy to calculate: The standard size makes it easy to calculate the number of stones needed for a project and can help with estimating costs.
- Availability: Since the standard size is widely used in construction, it is readily available from a variety of suppliers.
- Compatibility: The standard size of machine-cut stones is compatible with other building materials such as cement and sand, which makes it easier to mix and lay.
Cons of Standard size of machine-cut stones:
- Limited design options: The standard size can limit design options, as it may not be suitable for more complex or decorative construction projects.
- Transportation: The standard size can be heavy and bulky, which can increase transportation costs and may not be suitable for areas with limited access.
- Cutting: If the standard size is not suitable for a specific project, it may need to be cut, which can increase costs and result in waste.
- Cost: The standard size of machine-cut stones may be more expensive than other materials that are manually cut.
The standard size of machine-cut stones offers many benefits, including uniformity, ease of calculation, availability, and compatibility with other building materials.
However, there are also some drawbacks to consider, such as limited design options, transportation costs, cutting requirements, and potential higher costs.
When deciding whether to use the standard size of machine-cut stones for a construction project, it’s important to weigh these factors against the specific needs of the project and budget constraints.
